Hartlepool concert to remember the Somme heroes

The Remembrance Day concert is being planned at St Hilda’s Church in Hartlepool on November 11 from 7.30pm.

Ian Pounder, the director of music at the Parish Church of St Hilda said the event was being held “in commemoration of the 100 year anniversary of the Battle of the Somme.”

The battle lasted from July 1 1916 to November 19, 1916 and one million men on all sides were killed.

Mr Pounder added: “Celebrated Tyneside choir Musica Johannis will present a varied programme of music, including The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace, a work commissioned by the Royal Armouries for the Millennium, morale-boosting war songs of the period, Jerusalem, O Valiant Hearts and more.”

Accompanists on the night will be Ian Pounder on the organ and Chris Watson on the trumpet.

Mr Pounder added: “As well as coming to enjoy the music, we hope people will take the opportunity to reflect on the horrors of war, especially at this time of conflict in the Middle East.”

Proceeds of the concert will be shared between the church and SSAFA, who provide help and support for servicemen and women.

Tickets are £5 including light refreshments and are available at the door, or can be reserved by emailing [email protected]

SSAFA was formed as the Soldiers and Sailors Families Association in 1885.

It is a charity that provides lifelong support for the Forces and their families.